IPL 2026 Retention Full Report: The IPL 2026 retention buzz is pushing fans to the edge, as trades, exits and dramatic midnight deals reshape every franchise before the mini auction.
IPL 2026 Retention Deadline Heats Up
The countdown to the IPL 2026 retention cut-off has turned the league into a whirlwind of speculation and quick-fire decisions. With 15 November 2025 marked as the final day for teams to submit their lists, franchises are working overtime to lock in players who will form the backbone of their campaign.
What makes this season especially tense is the rule allowing all teams to retain as many players as they want. With a mini auction scheduled for December, every decision now directly affects auction dynamics, budgets and long-term strategy.
Where to Watch the IPL Retention Show
The official broadcaster, JioStar, will reveal the complete retention list at 5 PM IST. The two-hour gap between team submission and public release is expected to create peak anticipation and prime-time drama.
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Trade Window Sparks Big Shifts
This retention cycle has seen a flurry of confirmed moves, including the headline-making Sanju Samson–Ravindra Jadeja swap. Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar have moved to Lucknow Super Giants, while Nitish Rana has shifted to Delhi Capitals. Each confirmed deal has intensified the pressure on teams still weighing their final calls.
IPL 2026 Retention Rules
Teams are allowed to retain unlimited players this year, unlike previous mega-auction cycles. Squads must include 18–25 players, and every franchise must manage its roster within the salary cap of ₹120 crore. The trading window stays open beyond the deadline, meaning teams may still continue finalising deals until the auction approaches.
How Franchises Are Taking Shape
Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI have strengthened their all-round and finishing depth by acquiring Shardul Thakur from LSG and Sherfane Rutherford from Gujarat Titans. Mayank Markande has also joined from KKR. Rumours point to possible releases such as Reece Topley and Will Jacks, along with earlier talk of Arjun Tendulkar moving to LSG, which has now materialised.
Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK’s major shake-up features the arrival of Sanju Samson, while Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran have shifted to Rajasthan Royals. Samson will continue at his ₹18 crore fee. CSK are expected to release several players, including Devon Conway, Deepak Hooda, Rachin Ravindra, Vijay Shankar and Jamie Overton, signalling a serious squad refresh.
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR now have Jadeja and Curran on board and are likely to rebuild around young Indian talent supported by select overseas players. Nitish Rana has been traded out to Delhi Capitals, while Donnovan Ferreira has joined the team. RR may release Fazalhaq Farooqi, Theekshana and Lhuan-dre Pretorius as they streamline their squad.
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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR appear ready for a major reshuffle. Players such as Venkatesh Iyer, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje may be released to free up funds. There is strong chatter that they are eyeing KL Rahul, though Delhi Capitals’ final decision will determine if he even enters the auction.
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
LSG have aggressively shifted gears by adding Mohammed Shami and Arjun Tendulkar to their pace unit. There are discussions about releasing David Miller after just one season. LSG may also reconsider Ravi Bishnoi and Shamar Joseph as they reshape their overseas and Indian core.
Panjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS are likely to maintain stability after a consistent run last season. However, they may release Glenn Maxwell and Aaron Hardie to improve their purse for key auction targets. With Shreyas Iyer leading a solid core, PBKS may avoid large-scale changes this year.
Delhi Capitals (DC)
DC have added Nitish Rana for ₹4.2 crore and are expected to release some overseas backups. Much hinges on whether they choose to keep KL Rahul. If he is released, the search for an Indian star in the auction becomes a major challenge.
Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT will likely continue with their settled Indian core, focusing on consistency. They have already traded Rutherford to MI and reportedly rejected CSK’s approach for Washington Sundar. The overall strategy looks to preserve key players and avoid unnecessary churn.
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH seem prepared to refresh certain high-cost spots while betting on young Indian pace talent. Shami’s departure to LSG is a major shift. There is speculation that Heinrich Klaasen could be released to free up significant budget, with hopes of buying him back at a more manageable price.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
Fresh off a title win, RCB are expected to refine their overseas slots. Likely releases include Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Mayank Agarwal and Blessing Muzarabani. Their strategy revolves around adding match-winners without disturbing their established core.
Confirmed IPL 2026 Trades So Far
Sanju Samson to CSK Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR Mohammed Shami to LSG Arjun Tendulkar to LSG Shardul Thakur to MI Sherfane Rutherford to MI Mayank Markande to MI Nitish Rana to DC Donnovan Ferreira to RR
Retention Day Takes Centre Stage
With decisions expected to overshadow even ongoing international cricket, the evening of the retention reveal promises the first big spark of the IPL 2026 season. The choices made now will determine which teams walk into the mini auction confident, which ones walk in desperate, and which ones walk in with a game-changing masterplan.
